This slow cooker sweet pork barbacoa recipe is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors. The tender, shredded pork is cooked to perfection in a delicious broth, making it a perfect filling for tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, or a topping for nachos, salads, and tostadas.
One of the key ingredients in this recipe is pork shoulder, which is also known as pork butt or Boston butt. It is an economical cut of meat that becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. Another important ingredient is the tomato paste, which adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor. If you don't have these ingredients readily available at home, you can find them in the meat and canned goods sections of your local supermarket, respectively.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sweet Pork Barbacoa
Pork shoulder: A flavorful cut of meat that becomes tender and easy to shred after slow-cooking.
Light brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the pork.
Chili powder: Provides a spicy kick.
Paprika: Gives a smoky flavor and vibrant color.
Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle hint of garlic.
Salt: Brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.
Chicken broth: Used as the cooking liquid, it keeps the pork moist and flavorful.
Tomato paste: Provides a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
One reader, Cherise Mckoy says:
This slow cooker sweet pork barbacoa recipe is a game-changer! The pork is incredibly tender and flavorful, and the blend of spices creates a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. It's so versatile and makes the most delicious tacos and burritos. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Sweet Pork Barbacoa
How to prepare the pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and place it in the slow cooker.
How to make the spice mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together light-brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
How to make the broth mixture: In the same mixing bowl, add chicken broth and tomato paste, and whisk until well blended.
How to cook the pork: Pour the chicken broth mixture over the pork in the slow cooker, cover with the lid, and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours.
How to shred the pork: Remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker, remove excess fat, and shred the meat.
How to skim the fat from the broth: Ladle out some of the fat from the top of the broth in the slow cooker and discard it.
How to serve the pork: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and allow it to rest on warm heat for 1 to 3 hours. Strain the broth and serve the pork in tacos, enchiladas, burritos, nachos, salads, or tostadas.
How To Make Slow Cooker Sweet Pork Barbacoa
This pork barbacoa is a sweet pork dish that’s cooked with tomato paste, chicken broth, and various herbs and spices in a slow cooker until tender.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3lbspork shoulder,aka Boston Butt Roast
- ¾cuppacked light brown sugar,or more to taste for a sweeter pork if desired
- 2½tspchili powder
- 1tsppaprika
- 1tsponion powder
- ½tspgarlic powder
- ¾tspsalt,or to taste
- ¼tspfreshly ground black pepper
- 2cupslow-sodium chicken broth
- 1½tbsptomato paste
Instructions
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Place pork roast in a slow cooker. In a mixing bowl whisk together light-brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
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Add in chicken broth and tomato paste and whisk mixture until well blended. Pour chicken broth mixture over pork roast in slow cooker. Cover slow cooker with lid, cook on Low heat for 7 to 8 hours.
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Remove roast from slow cooker, remove fat from roast and shred. Ladle out some of the fat (the shiny orange layer of liquid) from the top of the broth in the slow cooker and discard.
-
Return shredded roast to slow cooker and allow to rest on warm heat for 1 to 3 hours. Strain broth. Serve inside tacos, enchiladas or burritos or serve over nachos, salads or tostadas.
Nutrition
- Calories: 496.90kcal
- Fat: 31.14g
- Saturated Fat: 10.75g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.82g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.44g
- Carbohydrates: 22.52g
- Fiber: 0.60g
- Sugar: 20.57g
- Protein: 30.80g
- Cholesterol: 120.77mg
- Sodium: 400.79mg
- Calcium: 51.31mg
- Potassium: 652.42mg
- Iron: 2.39mg
- Vitamin A: 25.30µg
- Vitamin C: 1.93mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Slow Cooker Sweet Pork Barbacoa
When shredding the pork roast, it's best to use two forks. Place the roast on a large cutting board or in a large dish, then use the forks to pull the meat apart. This will give you tender, bite-sized pieces that are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. Also, removing the fat before shredding not only makes the dish healthier, but it also improves the texture of the meat, making it more enjoyable to eat.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Sweet Pork Barbacoa
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a slow cooker: Utilize a slow cooker to cook the pork while you attend to other tasks, saving time and effort.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra portions for future quick and easy meals.
Invest in kitchen gadgets: Use tools like a food processor or mandoline to speed up the prep process.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to save time and avoid unnecessary stress.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes and save time on improvisation.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Sweet Pork Barbacoa Recipe
pork shoulder - Substitute with beef chuck roast: Beef chuck roast has a similar texture and flavor profile to pork shoulder, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
light brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative to brown sugar, providing a similar sweetness and caramel-like flavor.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika and cayenne pepper mix: A combination of paprika and cayenne pepper can replicate the heat and smokiness of chili powder.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the dish, similar to regular paprika.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped fresh onions: Fresh onions can be used as a substitute for onion powder, providing a more intense flavor to the dish.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can be used to replace garlic powder, offering a more pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
low-sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a suitable alternative to chicken broth, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can be used as a substitute for tomato paste, providing a similar tangy sweetness and thickening properties.
Presenting Slow Cooker Sweet Pork Barbacoa
Elevate the plating: Arrange the shredded pork barbacoa in a neat and visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring that each component is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce pops of color by garnishing the dish with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes, adding a visually striking element to the presentation.
Utilize contrasting textures: Pair the tender pork barbacoa with crispy tortilla strips or crunchy radishes to create an enticing textural contrast.
Emphasize symmetry: Arrange the components symmetrically on the plate, creating a sense of balance and harmony in the presentation.
Add a touch of elegance: Consider drizzling a chipotle cream sauce or a mango salsa in an artistic manner to add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate and colorful edible flowers to the plating to elevate the visual appeal and add a touch of refinement to the dish.
Use unique serving vessels: Consider serving the pork barbacoa in handcrafted ceramic bowls or artisanal tortilla cones to add an element of creativity and intrigue to the presentation.
Highlight the accompaniments: Showcase the accompanying elements such as lime wedges and avocado slices strategically on the plate to draw attention to their freshness and flavor-enhancing qualities.
Essential Tools for Making Sweet Pork Barbacoa in a Slow Cooker
- Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering food at a lower temperature over a longer period of time.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing them together.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together.
- Strainer: A device used for separating liquid from solid ingredients.
- Tongs: A tool with two long arms and a pivot near the handle, used for gripping and lifting food.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving food.
- Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl for serving soups and stews.
- Serving utensils: Various utensils used for serving and portioning food, such as spoons and forks.
Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Sweet Pork Barbacoa
Once the pork barbacoa has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to include some of the delicious cooking liquid to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
For longer storage, freeze the pork barbacoa for up to 3 months. Divide the meat and cooking liquid into smaller portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. This way, you can easily thaw only what you need for future meals. When ready to use, thaw the pork overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat, place the desired amount of pork barbacoa and its cooking liquid in a saucepan or microwave-safe dish. Heat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If the meat seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help moisten it.
If you have leftover pork barbacoa, get creative with your meals! Use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Serve it over rice, in salads, or as a topping for nachos. The possibilities are endless, and the flavors will continue to impress.
How To Reheat Leftover Slow Cooker Sweet Pork Barbacoa
Reheat the pork barbacoa in a slow cooker on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and tenderness of the meat while allowing the flavors to meld together even more.
For a quicker option, place the desired amount of pork barbacoa in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until heated through. The damp paper towel helps to prevent the meat from drying out during reheating.
If you prefer a crispy texture, spread the pork barbacoa on a baking sheet and reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method works well if you plan to use the meat for tacos or burritos.
For a stovetop option, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Add the pork barbacoa to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or water to help keep the meat moist during reheating.
If you have leftover barbacoa sauce, you can reheat it separately in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Pour the warm sauce over the reheated pork for added flavor and moisture.
Interesting Fact About Slow Cooker Sweet Pork Barbacoa
The slow cooker sweet pork barbacoa recipe is a popular dish in Mexican cuisine. It is often served in tacos, burritos, or as a topping for nachos and salads. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender and flavorful pork. This dish is a great option for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping, as it can be easily reheated and used in various dishes throughout the week. Additionally, the sweet and savory flavors of the pork make it a versatile and delicious option for any meal.
Is Making Sweet Pork Barbacoa at Home Cost-Effective?
This slow cooker sweet pork barbacoa recipe is cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like pork shoulder and common pantry staples makes it budget-friendly. With a rating of 8/10, it offers great value for money. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-20, making it an economical choice for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Is This Sweet Pork Barbacoa Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker sweet pork barbacoa recipe, while delicious, has some aspects that could be considered unhealthy:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of brown sugar, which adds empty calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- Pork shoulder is a fatty cut of meat, and the recipe doesn't specify trimming the fat, which can increase the overall fat and calorie content of the dish.
- The sodium content may be high due to the added salt and the use of chicken broth, even though it is low-sodium.
However, the recipe also includes some healthier elements, such as the use of various spices and tomato paste, which can provide beneficial nutrients and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar used, or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Trim any visible fat from the pork shoulder before cooking to reduce the overall fat content.
- Use a low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the amount of added salt to control sodium intake.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as onions, garlic, or bell peppers, to increase the nutrient content and add more flavor without relying on sugar or salt.
- Serve the barbacoa with healthier accompaniments, such as whole-grain tortillas, fresh salsa, and avocado, instead of high-calorie options like sour cream or cheese.
Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Sweet Pork Barbacoa Recipe
The slow cooker sweet pork barbacoa recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The blend of brown sugar, spices, and chicken broth creates a rich and tender pork that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or salads. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress. This recipe is a great option for a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Sweet Pork Barbacoa Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Sweet Pork Barbacoa Recipe:
This slow cooker sweet pork barbacoa recipe guarantees tender, flavorful results. The combination of pork shoulder, brown sugar, and a blend of spices creates a mouthwatering dish. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a rich and succulent pork that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or salads. With the use of chicken broth and tomato paste, this recipe ensures a well-balanced and savory taste. Trust in the simplicity and depth of flavors in this recipe for a delightful dining experience.
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